Maybe it's not just the weather!

I planted basil seed early this spring, but in a pot, and in my greenhouse. After much time, a few came up, got to about a half-inch tall, and that was it. More than a month later they all got thrown out - still about a half-inch tall.

Many folks were saying the same thing - my basil just died or my basil did nothing. And considering the unusual spring weather (rain, rain, and more rain), it didn't seem all that odd - basil loves hot, dry weather.

I still think that the wet spring is the answer, but this Washington Post article made me think. What if it's not just the weather?

How many times do we miss a correct diagnosis because - Oh, I know what that is!

This PNW wet spring is certainly responsible for many garden problems this season (herds of slugs, slow-growing tomatoes, rotting seeds, etc.) But, in between the showers, let's pay attention to the details and make sure we know what's really going on.

Endless Rain!!

It’s one of those years, isn’t it? Still raining in June.

The tomato spots are soggy, so the plants stay in their pots. Soil too cool and wet to have much hope for cucumbers and beans. Digging a hole for the fig just seems like a way to compact the soil. No amount of compost will improve the drainage after days of rain.

Well, containers it is! At least I can control the water for those plants.

One of the tomatoes can go into a converted cat litter bucket. The decorative pots can get planted. Maybe start more lettuce in pots – in case we never do get sun. And move them to shadier spots – if we do get sun.

Containers have such potential for the balcony, the deck, or the front steps – even as decorative items in the yard. Use them for long-lived shrubs and trees or for edibles. Use them for colorful annuals or as a small herb garden.

Get intrigued by containers, while we wait out the rain.